San Bernardino County Transportation Authority officials on Wednesday agreed to pay a Swiss company $23 million for the first of perhaps as many as four hydrogen fuel cell powered trains.
The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 vehicle will be introduced in 2024 as part of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, a nine-mile connector between Redlands and San Bernardino’s Metrolink station.
The train, which relies on cutting-edge self-contained hydrogen fuel-cell technology to power it, will be the first of its kind operating in the United States. The designer and builder of the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 is Stadler Rail, a Swiss-international manufacturer of railway rolling stock headquartered in Bussnang, Switzerland. Stadler Rail is a holding company that controls nine subsidiaries with locations in Algeria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belarus and the United States. As one of the last European manufacturers of steep grade-capable rack railway cars, it focuses primarily on the manufacture of regional train multiple units and trams.
The fuel-cell technology involved in the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 utilizes hydrogen and oxygen to create a chemical reaction that produces energy, with byproducts of water vapor and no pollutants. Fuel cells are now in use to power buildings and cars. The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 Is also referred to as the Zero Emission Mobile Unit, or ZEMU.
Under the agreement, Stadler will develop the first hydrogen-powered train to see service in the United States. The vehicle on order is to consist of two cars with a power pack in between, which holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks.
The train is to have seating space for 108 passengers, in addition to what was referred to as “additional generous standing room.” The Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 is projected to transport passengers at a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour. Delivery of the train is anticipated in the year 2023, with the train scheduled to enter passenger service in 2024.
“Implementing innovative solutions like this first-of-its-kind passenger train is an excellent example of how we are demonstrating our commitment to the next generation in San Bernardino County,” San Bernardino County Transportation Authority President Darcy McNaboe said. “The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train will help us address the commuting needs of today while preserving our environment for a better tomorrow.”
“Stadler is committed to designing and building green technology for the transportation industry” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc. “We are delighted that the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority shares our enthusiasm for this goal. We have an excellent relationship with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and it is a great honor to partner with them to bring the first hydrogen-powered train to the United States.”
Stadler has done business with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in the past. In 2017, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ordered three diesel electric multiple unit Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains. The three diesel electric multiple units are intended for the future Arrow Passenger Rail Service, scheduled to run between Redlands and San Bernardino, connecting to the entire Metrolink system at the San Bernardino Transit Center. The diesel electric multiple units are are scheduled to begin operation on the 9-mile Redlands Passenger Rail line by late 2021.
The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 vehicle will be introduced in 2024 as part of the Redlands Passenger Rail Project, a nine-mile connector between Redlands and San Bernardino’s Metrolink station.
The train, which relies on cutting-edge self-contained hydrogen fuel-cell technology to power it, will be the first of its kind operating in the United States. The designer and builder of the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 is Stadler Rail, a Swiss-international manufacturer of railway rolling stock headquartered in Bussnang, Switzerland. Stadler Rail is a holding company that controls nine subsidiaries with locations in Algeria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belarus and the United States. As one of the last European manufacturers of steep grade-capable rack railway cars, it focuses primarily on the manufacture of regional train multiple units and trams.
The fuel-cell technology involved in the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 utilizes hydrogen and oxygen to create a chemical reaction that produces energy, with byproducts of water vapor and no pollutants. Fuel cells are now in use to power buildings and cars. The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 Is also referred to as the Zero Emission Mobile Unit, or ZEMU.
Under the agreement, Stadler will develop the first hydrogen-powered train to see service in the United States. The vehicle on order is to consist of two cars with a power pack in between, which holds the fuel cells and the hydrogen tanks.
The train is to have seating space for 108 passengers, in addition to what was referred to as “additional generous standing room.” The Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train H2 is projected to transport passengers at a maximum speed of 79 miles per hour. Delivery of the train is anticipated in the year 2023, with the train scheduled to enter passenger service in 2024.
“Implementing innovative solutions like this first-of-its-kind passenger train is an excellent example of how we are demonstrating our commitment to the next generation in San Bernardino County,” San Bernardino County Transportation Authority President Darcy McNaboe said. “The hydrogen-powered Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train will help us address the commuting needs of today while preserving our environment for a better tomorrow.”
“Stadler is committed to designing and building green technology for the transportation industry” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc. “We are delighted that the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority shares our enthusiasm for this goal. We have an excellent relationship with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and it is a great honor to partner with them to bring the first hydrogen-powered train to the United States.”
Stadler has done business with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in the past. In 2017, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ordered three diesel electric multiple unit Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains. The three diesel electric multiple units are intended for the future Arrow Passenger Rail Service, scheduled to run between Redlands and San Bernardino, connecting to the entire Metrolink system at the San Bernardino Transit Center. The diesel electric multiple units are are scheduled to begin operation on the 9-mile Redlands Passenger Rail line by late 2021.